Easter 2025
Further Devotional Thoughts Based on “The Saving Hands of Jesus” (John 20:24–29)
Faith begins at the empty tomb but deepens in the presence of the risen Christ.
Thomas wasn’t convinced by hearsay or even by the faithful witness of his closest friends. He needed more. Yet, in his doubt, Jesus met him personally. This shows us that Christ is not distant from our struggles with belief. He meets us where we are, wounds and all.
Unbelief isn’t neutral—it’s resistance to surrender.
Sometimes what looks like doubt is actually a refusal to lose control. We hold out, setting conditions for God before we’re willing to trust Him. But true faith begins when we lay down our demands and step into His lordship.
Faith isn’t abstract; it’s relational.
Christianity isn’t a set of moral principles or inspirational sayings. It’s a relationship with the living Christ. Faith isn’t just believing in what Jesus said—it’s trusting who He is and surrendering to Him as Lord and God.
Believing “into” Jesus transforms everything.
The kind of faith the New Testament speaks of isn’t passive agreement—it’s active trust. It means staking your life on Jesus. It’s standing up when the message says the war is over. It’s living with a new foundation, a new direction, and a new center.
The wounds of Jesus silence our conditions.
When Thomas saw the scars, he didn’t need further proof. He dropped his “if only” and surrendered. When we see the love poured out in the wounds of Christ, our resistance melts away. We no longer bargain with God—we worship Him.
Discussion Questions Based on the Sermon
Why do you think Jesus consistently focused on faith in His post-resurrection appearances?
What does Thomas’s story teach us about the relationship between doubt and faith?
How does this passage challenge the idea that Christianity is just about morals or teachings?
What might it look like for someone today to “meet the risen Christ” by faith?
Have you ever placed conditions on your faith like Thomas did? What were they?
In what ways does unbelief act as a form of control in our lives?
How do the wounds of Jesus speak to your heart personally?
What does it mean to “believe into” Jesus, and how is that different from simply believing in Him?
Which of the people mentioned—John, Mary, Thomas, Peter—do you most relate to in your faith journey? Why?
What areas of your life might still be built on a foundation other than Christ?
Daily Devotions (Monday–Saturday) Based on the Sermon
Monday: "Faith Is a Gift"
Read: John 20:24–25
Reflect: Thomas had every reason to believe, but still he doubted. Jesus doesn't shame him—He moves toward him. Where have you doubted God? What would it look like to invite Him into those doubts?
Pray: "Lord, help me to see that faith is not something I muster up, but something You give. Meet me in my doubt."
Tuesday: "The Real Jesus"
Read: John 20:26–27
Reflect: Jesus invites Thomas to touch His wounds—to prove He’s truly alive. Christianity isn’t based on metaphor but on a real, risen Savior. Do you believe that Jesus truly rose?
Pray: "Jesus, I want to know You as real and risen. Make Your presence known to me."
Wednesday: "Unbelief Has Roots"
Read: Matthew 11:16–17
Reflect: Jesus compares unbelief to peevish children—unwilling to be led. Where in your life do you resist surrender? What fear or desire for control might be behind it?
Pray: "God, show me where I’m holding back. Help me let go of my need for control and trust You fully."
Thursday: "Faith Is Foundational"
Read: Romans 10:9–10
Reflect: Salvation doesn’t come from agreeing that Jesus was good, but believing He is risen. What is the foundation of your life? Where do you place your ultimate trust?
Pray: "Lord, help me build my life on the unshakable foundation of Your resurrection."
Friday: "Faith Is a Person"
Read: John 20:28
Reflect: Thomas didn’t just affirm an idea—he worshiped a person. He said, “My Lord and my God.” Faith is personal. Are you relating to Jesus or just believing things about Him?
Pray: "Jesus, I want to know You—not just know about You. Be my Lord and my God."
Saturday: "Drop the Conditions"
Read: John 20:29
Reflect: Jesus commended those who believe without seeing. Faith often means surrendering our conditions and expectations. What conditions have you placed on your faith or obedience?
Pray: "God, I lay down my ‘ifs.’ I trust You even when I don’t see. Take my life into Your hands."